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Barnstaple Attractions in, Barnstaple

Barnstaple attractions, local Barnstaple attractions, Devon England

Barnstaple is a pleasant large town built along the River Taw. It has grown and developed as the capital of North Devon, and is the heart of the commercial life of the area. Barnstaple has good facilities and some attractions of its own, but is best used as a base for visiting and exploring this superb area with many contrasts.

A popular trip from this area is a visit to the Nature Reserve Island of Lundy.
Boat trips leave from Ilfracombe and Bideford

This area is heavily associated with Tarka the Otter, from Kingsleys book of the same name. It was around this area of North Devon that Tarka lived.

The beaches around Saunton and Croyde are superb and popular for Surfers. The coastal towns on the North Coast such as Combe Martin and Lynton are spectacular towns amidst dramatic cliffs. 

Exmoor is just a few miles away giving access to some fantastic scenery.

Cycling or walking along the Tarka trail is an excellent and popular way to explore

As a popular tourist region, there are many of the normal attractions expected. Plenty of unusual farm parks and attractions.

The Tarka trail, this is a popular trail covering the North Devon area, it runs across Exmoor and Dartmoor, through Bideford Barnstaple and the Coast of North Devon 

Bike Hire is available at Fremington Quay

Exmoor National Park covers a large part of North East Devon stretching in to Somerset.

Exmoor Steam Railway. Bratton Fleming, Barnstaple
 a Narrow gauge steam railway on the edge of Exmoor. tel 01598 710 711

Exmoor Zoo South Stowford, Bratton Fleming 01598 763 352

Watermouth Castle near Ilfracombe, a family day out at a castle that has a theme park attached. 

Lynton and Lynmouth  delightful North Devon towns built around a harbour and cliff. Lynton at the top and Lynmouth at the bottom, connected by a famous cliff railway. This popular railway is powered by water and pulls visitors between the two towns. 

Motorcycle Museum at Combe Martin on the north coast 

Also at Combe Martin is the Wildlife and Dinosaur Park 01271 882 486

North Devon Farm Park at Landkey near Barnstaple. 01271 830 255

The Tarka Centre, The square Barnstaple 01271 346 747, has lots of information about the history of the region and plenty of ideas for things to do.

Gardens

Marwood Hill Gardens Marwood Hill, Barnstaple. 01271 342 528

Arlington Court Victorian Gardens with conservatory and ponds, Mansion, and tea rooms. tel 01271 850 296